Stamkos' 3-point game powers the Predators to a 4-1 win over the Golden Knights

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Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (5) lays on the ice as Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos, left, makes a goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) skates with the puck in front of Vegas Golden Knights right wing Cole Smith (22) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis) — Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (5) lays on the ice as Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos, left, makes a goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)

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5:06 PM on Saturday, March 21

The Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Steven Stamkos had two goals and an assist to lead the Nashville Predators to a 4-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday.

Stamkos opened the scoring 40 seconds in and added a power-play goal in the first two minutes of the second period as Nashville raced to an early three-goal lead. Tyson Jost and Ryan O’Reilly also scored for the Predators, who won their third straight and for the fourth time in six games. Justus Annunen made 39 saves and improved to 8-9-2.

With his second goal of the game, the 36-year-old Stamkos broke a tie with Brendan Shanahan and moved into sole possession of seventh place in the NHL with 238 career power-play goals. Phil Esposito is sixth overall with 246 man-advantage goals. Stamkos has 33 goals and 55 points this season.

Shea Theodore scored for Vegas, which lost its third in a row and for the sixth time in eight games. Akira Schmid stopped 16 shots.

Vegas carried the play throughout, outshooting Nashville 40-20. But, the Predators made the most of their shots with leads of 3-0 and 4-1 in the second period. The Golden Knights had a 20-4 edge in shots in the first period and a 10-5 advantage in the scoreless third.

Stamkos scored in the opening minute after Ryan O’Reilly won a faceoff and delivered a perfect feed in the slot.

Stamkos scored his 33 of the season on the power play at 1:24 of the second, with assists going to Filip Forsberg and Erik Haula. Tyson Jost made it 3-0 with the Predators' third short-handed goal of the season at 11:56. O'Reilly has the team's other short-handed scores this season.

Theodore got Vegas on the board at 13:10 of the second with a power-play goal before O’Reilly restored a three-goal lead for Nashville with a power-play score at 14:53, on a deflection of a shot by Stamkos.

Up next

Golden Knights: At the Dallas Stars on Sunday.

Predators: At the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl